Kerala Governor visits Idukki amid hartal, black flag demonstrations by ruling LDF
Thiruvananthapuram: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Tuesday faced angry protests from the ruling LDF workers and CPM-led Students Federation of India (SFI) during his visit to Idukki district to inaugurate the Karunavam Family Security Scheme of the Vyapyari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, a prominent organisation of traders.
The governor's visit took place amid hartal and black flag demonstrations organized by the Left-led organizations to protest against the delay on his part to give assent to the Land Amendment Bill. The SFI had put up huge banners saying "Sanghi Khan you are not welcome here".
A section of CPM activists took out a march in Thodupuzha town raising offensive slogans like "Rogue Khan" go back. The Idukki police administration had made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident during the Governor's event.
The SFI and CPM activists, however, held demonstrations about 500 meters away from the Government Guest House where the governor was present. Khan faced black flag demonstrations in more than half a dozen places during the visit.
Since the CPM had earlier announced that it would not block the path of the Governor during his visit to Idukki, no major law and order problems were reported from any part of the district.
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan later said that he was not a rubber stamp. On the Land Amendment Bill, Khan said he had written to the government thrice seeking an explanation on the matter. However, the government has not yet replied to his queries. “There is an attempt by a section of people to apply pressure on him to get things done,” he said.
Khan said he was not afraid of the threats. "I resigned from the union cabinet at the age of 35. By that time, I had received death threats five times. There were three attempts on my life. Once I was hit on the head with an iron rod. At 72 now I am on borrowed time and I do not feel threatened anymore," he said.
After inaugurating the traders event at Merchant Association Hall, Governor Khan met common people and interacted with them briefly.
